Senior Inclusion Specialist

IFES is seeking an experienced and passionate Senior Inclusion Specialist to advance social inclusion in democracy and governance work across our global programs. In this leadership role, you will work closely with teams in HQ and country offices to ensure all voices, particularly those of persons with disabilities and Indigenous Peoples, are included in our mission to foster inclusive, participatory societies.

As part of our Inclusion Team, you will collaborate with experts focusing on gender equality, LGBTQI+ rights, and youth engagement to bring an intersectional approach to programming. This position offers the opportunity to shape IFES’ inclusion strategy globally, develop cutting-edge tools, and represent IFES as a thought leader in international forums.

Are you ready to make a difference in global democracy through inclusive practices? Join IFES and be a key player in a dynamic, supportive environment dedicated to inclusion and positive change.

Key Responsibilities:

Technical Assitance

• Provide expert guidance on social inclusion, with a focus on disability rights and Indigenous Peoples.
• Offer technical assistance to regional program teams, remotely and through travel.
• Ensure inclusion principles are integrated across IFES programs and initiatives.
• Contribute to program reviews and quality assurance processes, offering actionable recommendations.
• Leadership & Innovation
• Lead the development of global resources and tools to mainstream social inclusion across IFES programs.
• Shape new initiatives to build internal capacity on disability rights and other inclusion areas.
• Drive forward IFES’ thought leadership in inclusion, contributing to research and program design.
• Business Development & Program Design
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities, leading proposal development and drafting concepts.
• Design and develop innovative inclusion programs, specifically targeting disability rights and Indigenous Peoples.
• Share lessons learned and good practices between HQ and country offices.

Outreach & Partnerships

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key donors, partners, and stakeholders.
• Represent IFES at high-profile conferences and events, maintaining the organization as a leader in social inclusion.
• Oversee IFES’ disability rights social media presence and contribute content to IFES.org.

Team Management & Development

• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of Inclusion Program Officers and consultants.
• Foster an inclusive team environment, ensuring the professional growth and development of staff.
• Conduct performance evaluations and support recruitment efforts for the team.

Qualifications:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree required. Master’s degree in political science, international development, or related field preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum of 8 years of experience in social inclusion, disability rights, or related fields within international development.
• Proven experience collaborating with international donors and implementing high-impact projects.
• Strong proposal writing and analytical skills, with experience in program budgeting and donor reporting.
• Experience working with a variety of stakeholders, including grassroots organizations, international NGOs, and government agencies.

Skills & Competencies:

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively across cultures and contexts.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, international work environment.
• Strategic thinker, able to identify institutional needs and drive forward inclusion initiatives.
• Fluency in English required; proficiency in a second language or sign language is a plus.

What We Offer:

A collaborative and inclusive work environment that values diversity and innovation.

An ability to influence international human rights standards and practice.

Opportunities for professional development and global travel.

Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, including health, wellness, and retirement plans.

About the International Foundation for Election Systems (IFES): IFES advances democracy for a better future. We collaborate with civil society, public institutions and the private sector to build resilient democracies that deliver for everyone. As the global leader in the promotion and protection of democracy, our technical assistance and applied research develops trusted electoral bodies capable of conducting credible elections; effective and accountable governing institutions; civic and political processes in which all people can safely and equally participate; and innovative ways in which technology and data can positively serve elections and democracy. Since1987, IFES has worked in more than 145 countries, from developing to mature democracies.

The Center for Applied Research and Learning is an engine for technical leadership and learning at IFES. Our team is comprised of dedicated professionals focused on cutting-edge democracy and governance technical support; monitoring, evaluation and learning; and research and innovation. We work with colleagues across the organization to identify and conduct innovative programing, research, and assessments, provide effective technical assistance to partners around the globe, develop new programming tools, foster learning opportunities for IFES’ emerging leaders, and collaborate effectively with multi-lateral organizations, the private sector, policymakers, CSOs and international NGOs, foundations, and the legal and scholarly communities.

The greatest assets of IFES are our team members. IFES offers competitive benefits and pay, as well as the opportunity to work in a dynamic and collaborative environment. Every member of the IFES team is responsible for carrying out the mission of IFES and integrating IFES values into their work every day: Commitment to Excellence, Effective Communication, High Quality Decision-Making, Accountability, Teamwork and Collaboration.

Join IFES to help shape a more inclusive world. Apply today!